From the page: The towel that still wants to hug
Idea 8
Cleaning mitts and pads
Homemade floor cloths are a long-standing tradition in kitchens and laundry rooms: before the paper towel roll existed, it was the worn-out towel that made the floor shine. It works because bath cotton has loose, absorbent fibers, which trap dust, grease, and water far better than a new cloth.
What you need
- Old bath towels (the softer, the better for delicate surfaces)
- Fabric scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Thread and needle or sewing machine (optional, for finishing)
- Chalk or soap for marking
How to make it
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1
Wash and dry the towels thoroughly before cutting, because towels shrink on the first wash and you want the final size from the start.
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2
Stretch the towel over a table and mark rectangles of about 10 x 14 inches with the chalk — this size fits well in the hand and covers a good cleaning area.
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3
Cut as many mitts and pads as you like; make the most of the fabric by arranging the cuts side by side, like a puzzle.
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4
If you want thicker pads for the floor, overlap two rectangles and sew the edges with a simple stitch, leaving the fluffy center outward so your hands get less greasy.
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5
For the mitts, sew two smaller rectangles on three sides and turn inside out — the seam stays hidden and the mitt slides easily onto the hand.
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6
Hem with a running stitch the edges of pieces left with a raw side, to keep them from fraying with each wash.
Finishing touches
Use the soft pads on glass and mirrors and the double ones on countertops and floors. Keep two or three hanging near the utility area — that's when they truly become part of the routine.
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